A computing system for redacting and/or tokenizing non-public information of electronic documents stored in a database may include a data redaction computing device and/or a data tokenization computing device, a first database storing a plurality of electronic documents, and a second database storing computer executable instructions for analyzing information associated with the plurality of electronic documents stored in the first database. The computer executable instructions may cause the data redaction/tokenization computing device to identify non-public information in one or more of the plurality of electronic documents and/or at least one of a document type, a source of the electronic document, and a destination to which the electronic document is to be communicated. Based on this analysis, the data redaction/tokenization computing device may modify the electronic document to redact and/or tokenize the non-public information based on the computer executable instructions retrieved from the second database.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A reversible data redaction system, comprising: a first computing system comprising a first database storing a plurality of electronic documents; a second computing system including a second database storing a plurality of computer executable instructions for applying one or more rules in relation to managing non-public information in electronic documents; a reversible data redaction engine comprising a processor and a non-transitory memory device, the non-transitory memory device storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction engine to: monitor communications sent over a network; identify, based on the monitored communications, an electronic document being communicated from a source computing device to a destination computing device over the network; analyze the electronic document to determine a document type, the source computing device of the electronic document, and a destination to which the electronic document is to be communicated; redact at least a portion of the electronic document by executing the computer executable instructions to apply the one or more rules based on at least one of the document type, the source computing device, or the destination of the electronic document, wherein a first redacted portion is for presentation to a first recipient and a second redacted portion is for presentation to a second recipient; and split the electronic document into the first redacted portion and the second redacted portion, wherein the first redacted portion is for communication via a first network to a first recipient and the second redacted portion is for communication via a second network to a second recipient.
A reversible data redaction system is designed to manage non-public information in electronic documents by selectively redacting content based on document type, source, and destination. The system includes a first computing system with a database storing electronic documents and a second computing system with a database containing executable rules for handling sensitive information. A reversible data redaction engine monitors network communications to identify documents being transmitted between devices. Upon detection, the engine analyzes the document to determine its type, source, and destination. Using predefined rules, the engine redacts portions of the document to create multiple redacted versions. Each version is tailored for specific recipients, with different levels of redaction applied. The document is then split into distinct redacted portions, which are sent to different recipients over separate networks. This approach ensures that sensitive information is protected while allowing controlled dissemination of redacted content to authorized parties. The system supports reversible redaction, enabling the restoration of original content when necessary.
2. The reversible data redaction system of claim 1 , wherein the first database stores electronic versions of one or more text documents, spreadsheet documents, image documents, presentation slide decks, and electronic communications.
A reversible data redaction system is designed to securely remove sensitive information from digital documents while allowing authorized users to restore the redacted content when necessary. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining data privacy and compliance with regulations while preserving the ability to recover redacted information for legitimate purposes, such as legal or auditing requirements. The system includes a first database that stores various types of electronic documents, including text documents, spreadsheet documents, image documents, presentation slide decks, and electronic communications. These documents may contain sensitive information that needs to be redacted temporarily or permanently. The system also includes a second database that stores redaction metadata, which records details about the redacted content, such as the location, type, and original content of the redactions. This metadata enables the system to accurately restore the redacted information when authorized. The redaction process involves identifying sensitive data within the documents and applying redaction techniques, such as masking, deletion, or encryption, to obscure the information. The redaction metadata is then generated and stored in the second database, ensuring that the original content can be retrieved if needed. The system may also include user authentication and access control mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can perform redactions or restore the original content. This approach provides a flexible and secure way to manage sensitive information while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations.
3. The reversible data redaction system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic documents stored in the first database comprise meta-data and wherein the computer executable instructions stored in the second database include rules for redacting at least a portion of the meta-data of the electronic documents.
A system for reversible data redaction processes electronic documents stored in a first database, where the documents include metadata. The system uses computer-executable instructions stored in a second database to apply redaction rules that selectively remove or obscure portions of the metadata while preserving the original data. The redaction is reversible, allowing the original metadata to be restored when needed. The system ensures that sensitive or confidential information within the metadata is temporarily hidden without permanent deletion, maintaining data integrity and compliance with privacy regulations. The redaction rules can be customized to target specific metadata fields, such as author information, timestamps, or file properties, based on predefined criteria. The system may also include a user interface for managing redaction policies and tracking redaction history. This approach enables organizations to share documents securely while controlling access to sensitive metadata, ensuring both confidentiality and the ability to revert changes when necessary.
4. The reversible data redaction system of claim 1 , further comprising a network, wherein the non-transitory memory devices further store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction engine to receive, via the network, a pointer to the electronic document stored in the first database.
A reversible data redaction system is designed to securely redact sensitive information from electronic documents while allowing authorized users to restore the original content. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining data privacy in shared documents without permanently altering the original content. It includes a processor, non-transitory memory devices, and a reversible data redaction engine that processes electronic documents stored in a first database. The system generates redacted versions of the documents by replacing sensitive information with placeholders or other redaction markers, while storing the original content in a second database. This allows authorized users to reverse the redaction process and retrieve the original data when needed. The system also includes a network interface to receive pointers to electronic documents stored in the first database, enabling remote access and processing of documents for redaction. The redaction process is reversible, ensuring that sensitive information can be restored without data loss. The system supports secure handling of confidential documents in environments where temporary redaction is required, such as legal, medical, or corporate settings. The network functionality allows for distributed access and processing, enhancing flexibility and scalability.
5. The reversible data redaction system of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory memory devices further store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction engine to: perform a textual analysis of contents of the electronic document based on one or more applied business rules; identify one or more portions of the electronic document that include non-public information; and redact the one or more portions of the electronic document that have been identified to include non-public information.
A system for reversible data redaction processes electronic documents to identify and redact non-public information while preserving the ability to restore the original content. The system includes a processor and non-transitory memory devices storing instructions for a reversible data redaction engine. The engine performs textual analysis of document contents using applied business rules to detect non-public information, such as sensitive or confidential data. Once identified, the system redacts the relevant portions of the document. The redaction process is reversible, allowing the original content to be restored when authorized. The system ensures compliance with data privacy regulations by selectively removing sensitive information while maintaining document integrity. The business rules define criteria for identifying non-public information, such as personal data, financial details, or proprietary content. The redaction engine applies these rules to scan and process documents, marking or removing the identified portions. The reversible nature of the system enables temporary redaction for controlled access, with the ability to revert changes when necessary. This approach supports secure document sharing and collaboration while protecting sensitive information.
6. The reversible data redaction system of claim 5 , wherein redaction comprises removal of the non-public information from the electronic document.
Technical Summary: The invention relates to a reversible data redaction system designed for electronic documents, addressing the need to protect non-public information while allowing authorized users to restore the original content. The system enables the removal of sensitive data from documents, such as personal or confidential details, while preserving the document's structure and readability. The redaction process is reversible, meaning the original non-public information can be recovered by authorized parties using a secure mechanism, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and data protection policies. The system includes a redaction module that identifies and removes non-public information from the electronic document, leaving placeholders or markers in its place. These markers allow the system to track the location and context of the redacted data, facilitating accurate restoration when authorized. The redaction process may involve encryption or secure storage of the removed information to prevent unauthorized access. The system also includes a restoration module that retrieves the redacted data from secure storage and reinstates it into the document, ensuring data integrity and authenticity. The reversible nature of the redaction process supports use cases such as legal document sharing, compliance audits, and secure collaboration, where temporary redaction is required but full access must be restored later. The system ensures that redacted information remains confidential during the redaction period while allowing authorized users to access the complete document when needed.
7. The reversible data redaction system of claim 5 , wherein the redaction comprises obscuring at least the non-public information to ensure the non-public information is not available to viewers of the electronic document.
This invention relates to a reversible data redaction system designed to protect non-public information in electronic documents while allowing authorized users to restore the original content. The system addresses the challenge of securely redacting sensitive data without permanently altering the document, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations while maintaining data integrity. The redaction process involves obscuring non-public information, such as personal or confidential details, to prevent unauthorized access. The system employs a reversible technique, allowing authorized users to decrypt or restore the redacted content when necessary, ensuring that the original information remains accessible to those with proper permissions. This approach enhances document security while providing flexibility for authorized access. The redaction method may include visual masking, encryption, or other techniques to conceal the non-public information, ensuring it is not visible to viewers of the electronic document. The system may also integrate with document management tools to automate redaction processes, improving efficiency and reducing human error. By combining secure redaction with reversible restoration, the invention provides a balanced solution for protecting sensitive data while maintaining usability.
8. The reversible data redaction system of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory memory devices further store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction engine to: perform a textual analysis of meta-data associated with the electronic document based on one or more applied business rules; identify one or more portions of the electronic document that include non-public information; and redact the one or more portions of the meta-data of the electronic document that have been identified to include non-public information.
A system for reversible data redaction processes electronic documents to identify and redact non-public information while preserving the ability to restore the original content. The system analyzes meta-data associated with electronic documents using predefined business rules to detect sensitive information. It then identifies specific portions of the document containing non-public data and redacts those sections from the meta-data. The redaction process is reversible, allowing the original information to be restored when needed. The system ensures compliance with privacy regulations by selectively removing sensitive details while maintaining document integrity. The redaction engine operates on non-transitory memory devices and executes instructions to perform the analysis, identification, and redaction tasks. The approach enhances data security by dynamically filtering out confidential information based on configurable rules, ensuring that only authorized users can access or restore the redacted content. This method is particularly useful in environments where documents must be shared externally while protecting sensitive information.
9. The reversible data redaction system of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory memory devices further store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction engine to: perform an image analysis of the electronic document based on one or more applied business rules; identify one or more portions of images included in the electronic document that have been determined to include non-public information; and redact the one or more portions of the images of the electronic document that have been identified to include non-public information.
A system for reversible data redaction processes electronic documents to identify and redact non-public information while preserving the ability to restore the original content. The system analyzes documents, including images, to detect sensitive data such as personal or confidential information. Business rules define the criteria for identifying non-public information, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. The system performs image analysis to locate and redact portions of images containing sensitive data, such as faces, text, or other identifiable elements. The redaction process is reversible, allowing authorized users to restore the original content when necessary. The system maintains a record of redactions, enabling selective restoration of specific portions of the document. This approach ensures data privacy while supporting controlled access to unredacted information for authorized purposes. The system is particularly useful in industries handling sensitive documents, such as healthcare, legal, and financial sectors, where compliance with privacy laws is critical. The reversible redaction feature enhances security by preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information while allowing legitimate retrieval when required.
10. The reversible data redaction system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions that cause the reversible data redaction engine to redact at least a portion of the electronic document by executing the computer executable instructions to apply one or more business rules based on at least one of the document type, the source of the electronic document, or the destination of the electronic document, further cause the reversible data redaction engine to generate a redaction layer that is to overlay the electronic document and obscure any identified non-public information within the electronic document.
A system for reversible data redaction processes electronic documents to protect sensitive information while allowing authorized users to restore the original content. The system identifies non-public information within a document based on predefined business rules, which are applied according to factors such as the document type, its source, or its intended destination. These rules determine what content should be redacted. The system then generates a redaction layer that overlays the document, obscuring the identified sensitive information. This layer can be selectively removed or modified, enabling reversible redaction. The redaction process preserves the original document structure and formatting, ensuring that the redacted version remains usable while protecting confidentiality. The system supports dynamic redaction based on contextual factors, allowing for flexible application of privacy policies. This approach ensures compliance with data protection regulations while maintaining document integrity for authorized access. The redaction layer can be adjusted or removed without altering the underlying document, providing a reversible solution for managing sensitive information.
11. The reversible data redaction system of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory memory devices further store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction engine to: save, in the first database, a redaction indicator when the electronic document has been redacted, wherein the redaction indicator comprises at least one of a redaction flag and an indication of which portion of the electronic document has been redacted.
A system for reversible data redaction processes electronic documents to selectively remove sensitive information while preserving the ability to restore the original content. The system addresses the challenge of securely handling confidential data in documents while allowing authorized users to recover redacted information when necessary. The system includes a processor and non-transitory memory devices storing instructions for a reversible data redaction engine. When executed, these instructions enable the engine to save a redaction indicator in a first database upon redaction of an electronic document. The redaction indicator includes either a redaction flag or a specific indication of the redacted portion of the document, ensuring traceability and reversibility of the redaction process. This allows the system to track which parts of the document have been redacted and facilitates the restoration of the original content when authorized. The system enhances data security by providing a controlled and reversible method for handling sensitive information in electronic documents.
12. The reversible data redaction system of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory memory devices further store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction engine to: receive a command to reverse a redaction of at least a portion of the electronic document; and remove any redaction marks that had been added to the electronic document to obscure non-public information identified based on the computer executable instructions stored in the second database.
This invention relates to a reversible data redaction system designed to obscure non-public information in electronic documents while allowing authorized users to restore the original content. The system addresses the challenge of securely redacting sensitive data without permanently altering the document, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations while maintaining data integrity for authorized access. The system includes a processor and non-transitory memory devices storing executable instructions. A reversible data redaction engine processes electronic documents by identifying non-public information using predefined criteria stored in a database. The engine applies redaction marks to obscure this information, such as blacking out text or removing metadata, while preserving the original content in a reversible format. The redaction process is logged to track modifications and ensure accountability. When a command to reverse the redaction is received, the system removes the redaction marks, restoring the original non-public information. This reversal is based on the stored redaction instructions, allowing authorized users to access the full document content without permanent data loss. The system supports multiple redaction and reversal operations, ensuring flexibility for different access levels and compliance requirements. The approach enhances document security while enabling controlled access to sensitive information.
13. The reversible data redaction system of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory memory devices further store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction engine to: analyze the electronic document based using the computer executable instructions retrieved from the second database, wherein the computer executable instructions further comprise instructions for identifying information corresponding to non-public information in the electronic document; and replace, within the electronic document, the identified information that includes references to non-public information by modifying at least one of a textual passage including the non-public information, an image including the non-public information, and meta-data including the non-public information.
The system is designed for reversible data redaction in electronic documents, addressing the need to protect sensitive or non-public information while allowing authorized users to restore the original content when necessary. The system includes a reversible data redaction engine that processes electronic documents to identify and redact non-public information, such as personal data, confidential details, or proprietary content. The engine uses computer-executable instructions stored in a database to analyze the document and detect non-public information within textual passages, images, or metadata. Once identified, the system replaces or modifies the sensitive information in a way that preserves the document's structure and readability while ensuring the redaction is reversible. The redaction process may involve altering text, obscuring images, or modifying metadata, with the original data stored securely for authorized restoration. This approach ensures compliance with privacy regulations while maintaining the integrity and usability of the document for authorized access. The system is particularly useful in industries handling sensitive data, such as healthcare, finance, and legal services, where temporary redaction is required for sharing or archiving documents.
14. The reversible data redaction system of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory memory devices further store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction engine to: save, in the first database, a tokenization indicator when at least a portion of the electronic document has been replaced, wherein the tokenization indicator comprises at least one of a tokenization flag and an indication of which portion of the electronic document has been replaced.
A reversible data redaction system is designed to securely redact sensitive information from electronic documents while allowing for later restoration. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining data privacy while ensuring that redacted information can be recovered when authorized. The system includes a processor and non-transitory memory devices storing instructions for a reversible data redaction engine. When executed, these instructions enable the engine to replace at least a portion of an electronic document with a token or placeholder while preserving the original data. The system stores a tokenization indicator in a first database to track the redaction. This indicator includes either a tokenization flag or a specific reference to the portion of the document that was replaced. The indicator ensures that the original data can be accurately restored when needed, providing a secure yet reversible redaction process. This approach enhances data privacy while maintaining the integrity and recoverability of sensitive information.
15. A reversible data redaction computing device, comprising: a processor; and a non-transitory memory device, the non-transitory memory device storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction computing device to: monitor communications on a network; identify, based on monitored communications, an electronic document being communicated from a source computing device to a destination computing device over the network; analyze the electronic document to determine a document type, a source of the electronic document, and a destination to which the electronic document is to be communicated; retrieve, from a first database and based on a determined document type, source of the document or a destination to which the electronic document is to be communicated, computer executable instructions for identifying and redacting non-public information identified in the electronic document; redact at least a portion of the electronic document by executing the computer executable instructions based on at least one of the document type, the source of the electronic document, or the destination of the electronic document, wherein a first redacted portion is for presentation to a first individual and a second redacted portion is for presentation to a second individual; and split the electronic document into the first redacted portion and the second redacted portion, wherein the first redacted portion is for communication via a first network to a first recipient and the second redacted portion is for communication via a second network to a second recipient.
A computing device monitors network communications to identify electronic documents being transmitted between devices. The device analyzes each document to determine its type, source, and destination. Based on these factors, it retrieves specific instructions for identifying and redacting non-public information within the document. The device then redacts portions of the document according to the retrieved instructions, creating multiple redacted versions. Each version is tailored for different recipients, with some information visible to one recipient and hidden from another. The redacted portions are then split and transmitted separately over different networks to their respective recipients. This system ensures that sensitive information is selectively shared based on the recipient's identity and the document's context, enhancing data privacy and security in network communications. The redaction process is reversible, allowing the original document to be reconstructed if needed. The device dynamically adapts its redaction rules based on document characteristics and communication parameters, ensuring compliance with privacy policies and access controls.
16. The reversible data redaction computing device of claim 15 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction computing device to: store, in a second database, a redacted version of the electronic document as a new document.
This invention relates to a computing device for reversible data redaction, addressing the need to securely remove sensitive information from electronic documents while allowing authorized users to restore the original content. The device processes an electronic document containing sensitive data, identifies and removes specified portions of the content, and generates a redacted version that can later be restored to its original form. The redaction process involves encrypting the sensitive data before removal, storing the encrypted data in a secure location, and replacing the original content with placeholders or blank spaces. To restore the document, the device retrieves the encrypted data, decrypts it, and reinserts it into the redacted version. The system ensures that only authorized users with proper credentials can access the original content, enhancing data security while maintaining the ability to recover the full document when needed. The redacted version of the document is stored as a new document in a second database, separate from the original, to prevent unauthorized access to the sensitive information. This approach is particularly useful in industries handling confidential data, such as healthcare, finance, and legal services, where compliance with privacy regulations is critical. The invention provides a balance between data protection and usability, allowing organizations to share documents safely while ensuring the integrity and availability of the original content.
17. The reversible data redaction computing device of claim 15 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction computing device to: store, in a second database, a new electronic document comprising redactions to the original electronic document, wherein a combination of the new electronic document and the original electronic document comprises a redacted version of the electronic document.
This invention relates to a computing device for reversible data redaction, addressing the need to securely redact sensitive information from electronic documents while allowing for later restoration of the original content. The device includes a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed, enable the creation of a redacted version of an electronic document by combining the original document with a new electronic document containing redactions. The new document includes modifications such as deletions, masking, or other forms of redaction applied to the original content. When the new document is overlaid or merged with the original, the result is a redacted version where sensitive information is obscured. This approach allows for reversible redaction, as the original content can be restored by removing the redactions from the new document. The system ensures that the redacted version is accessible while maintaining the ability to recover the original data when needed, providing a balance between privacy and data integrity. The device may also include additional features such as encryption, access controls, or audit logging to enhance security and track redaction activities.
18. The reversible data redaction computing device of claim 15 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the reversible data redaction computing device to: receive a command to reverse a redaction of at least a portion of the electronic document; and remove one or more redaction indicators that had been added to the electronic document to obscure non-public information identified based on the computer executable instructions stored in a second database.
This invention relates to a computing device for reversible data redaction, addressing the need to securely obscure sensitive information in electronic documents while allowing authorized users to restore the original content. The device includes a processor and memory storing executable instructions that enable selective redaction of non-public information within a document. The redaction process involves adding visual or structural indicators to obscure the identified sensitive data, with the redaction rules and patterns stored in a database. The system also supports reversing the redaction by removing these indicators upon receiving an authorized command, thereby restoring the original document content. The redaction and reversal processes are automated, ensuring consistency and reducing manual errors. The invention is particularly useful in environments requiring temporary data masking, such as legal, medical, or financial sectors, where documents must be shared with restricted visibility but may later require full access. The reversible nature of the redaction enhances data security while maintaining usability.
19. A method of reversibly redacting an electronic document, the method comprising: monitoring communications on a network; identifying, based on the monitored communications, an electronic document being communicated from a source computing device to a destination computing device over the network; analyzing, by an analysis engine of the document redaction computing device, the electronic document to determine at least one of a document type, a source of the electronic document, and a destination to which the electronic document is to be communicated; retrieving, by the document redaction computing device, computer executable instructions stored in a first database wherein the computer executable instructions cause the document redaction computing device to identify and redacting non-public information identified in the electronic document based on a determined document type, source of the document or a destination to which the electronic document is to be communicated; and identifying, by the document redaction computing device, non-public information within the electronic document by processing the computer executable instructions retrieved from the first database; and redacting, at least a portion of the identified non-public information of the electronic document by executing the computer executable instructions based on at least one of the document type, the source of the electronic document, or the destination of the electronic document, wherein a first redacted portion is for presentation to a first individual and a second redacted portion is for presentation to a second individual; and splitting the electronic document into the first redacted portion and the second redacted portion, wherein the first redacted portion is for communication via a first network to a first recipient and the second redacted portion is for communication via a second network to a second recipient.
This invention relates to a system for automatically and reversibly redacting electronic documents in transit over a network. The system monitors network communications to detect documents being sent from a source device to a destination device. Upon identifying a document, the system analyzes it to determine its type, origin, and intended recipient. Based on this analysis, the system retrieves predefined redaction rules from a database. These rules dictate how non-public information should be identified and redacted depending on the document's characteristics and the recipient's identity. The system processes the document using the retrieved rules to locate sensitive information, such as personal or confidential data. It then redact portions of the document in a reversible manner, creating multiple redacted versions. Each version is tailored for a specific recipient, with different levels of redaction applied. For example, a first redacted version may be sent to one recipient over a first network, while a second redacted version, containing additional or different information, is sent to another recipient over a second network. The redaction is reversible, meaning the original document can be restored if needed. This approach ensures that sensitive information is protected while allowing controlled dissemination of document content to different parties.
20. The method reversibly redacting an electronic document of claim 19 , comprising: receiving, at the document redaction computing device, a command to reverse a redaction of at least a portion of the electronic document; and removing one or more redaction indicators that had been added to the electronic document to obscure non-public information identified based on the computer executable instructions stored in a second database; and saving, by the document redaction computing device, the electronic document in a second database.
This invention relates to a system for reversibly redacting electronic documents to protect non-public information while allowing authorized users to restore the original content. The system includes a document redaction computing device that processes electronic documents to identify and obscure sensitive information based on predefined criteria stored in a database. The redaction process involves adding visual indicators, such as black boxes or blurring, to conceal the non-public data while preserving the document's structure and metadata. The redaction is reversible, meaning authorized users can later remove the redaction indicators to restore the original content. The system also includes a second database for storing redacted documents and a user interface for managing redaction and reversal operations. The method ensures that sensitive information remains protected during distribution but can be accessed when necessary, providing a balance between confidentiality and usability. The invention is particularly useful in legal, healthcare, and corporate environments where documents must be shared securely but may later require full access.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
April 3, 2018
December 24, 2019
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